Laboratory for the Molecular Basis of Plant Stress Resistance

As results of the project, the interactive response of potato plants to single and combined abiotic/biotic stress had been elucidated:

Among proteins, mediated resistance to viruses and ecological stresses, we have identified a cluster of proteins involved in control of RNA metabolism and methylation. We have previously shown that the main enzymes of methione cycle (MTC) were down-regulated in PVY-infected Chicago (susceptible) plants at higher temperatures, causing consistent and concerted reduction in the levels of the major MTC metabolites including the universal methyl group donor SAM. This suggested that the enhanced susceptibility of Chicago potato plants to PVY at high temperatures may be triggered by the MTC perturbation and concomitant reduction in transmethylation activities. Remarkably, as in the case of Chicago, we revealed significant changes in expression of MTC and MTC-associated enzymes induced by PVY infection in resistant cv. Gala. However, in contrast to Chicago, with Gala plants the expression of a different set of enzymes was affected and this ultimately led to an increase in the levels of SAM and its immediate precursors MET and HCY. Thus, we suggest that resistance to PVY in potato cultivars may be positively regulated by intracellular amounts of MTC metabolites which determine the rate of methylation. These data not only point to important role of MTC in plant response to stress but allow to suggest a role of RNA metabolism (in particular non-coding RNAs) in the induction and regulation of plant resistance to viruses and abiotic stresses.

Implementation of research results:

The current project aims to develop scientific strategy for crop breeding in order to enhance plant adaptation to environmental stresses and avoid yield losses using biotechnological approaches. Although we are currently focusing on studies of potato responses to combined stresses caused by virus infections and elevated temperatures, our data on genes and mechanisms involved in stress tolerance as well as methodological approaches developed in our work will be applicable to other crops and abiotic/biotic stresses.

The laboratory collaborates with leading private enterprise, Doka Gene Technologies Ltd which produces seed and table potato as well as performs R&D in the area of potato genetics and breeding. Potato plants with enhanced resistance to stresses developed through this project are currently being tested in field trials at the DGT Ltd.

Education and retraining of personnel:

Postgraduate students, members of the research team underwent an internship at the James Hutton Institute (UK) in 2017 and 2018.

Two members of the research team prepared and successfully defended PhD thesis in 2020. Another PhD thesis is in preparation.

The Laboratory collaborates with the James Hutton Institute and the Moredun Researsh Institute (UK).

The Laboratory conducts research in close cooperation with Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Biological and Physical Faculties of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

The Laboratory actively cooperates with the scientific departments of Doka-Gene Technology Ltd.